Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Distribute Crack

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2010

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. ‑ A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Darrell R. Lewis, 29, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from Jan. 16 to Feb. 18, 2009, Lewis conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 24, 2011, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation/Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, the Johnstown Police Department and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lewis.